Appeal Court Disqualifies Abba Kabir Yusuf, Declares APC Winner in Kano Governorship Election
The Abuja Division of the Appeal Court has nullified the candidacy of Abba Kabir Yusuf, previously declared the governor of Kano state. The court’s ruling is based on the assertion that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf was not a member of the NNPP (New Nigeria Peoples Party) at the time of the elections, rendering him unqualified for the contested seat. The tribunal’s decision not to disqualify Governor Yusuf earlier has been deemed erroneous by the Appeal Court.
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The controversy stems from the March 18, 2023 election, where Abba Kabir Yusuf was initially declared the winner by the Independent National Electronic Electoral Commission (INEC), securing 1,019,602 votes against Nasiru Gawuna’s 890,705 votes. However, the All Progressives Congress (APC) raised allegations of electoral malpractice, leading to the tribunal’s intervention.
In a significant turn of events, a three-man panel, including Justice Oluyemi Akintan Osadebay and two other judges, reviewed the case and on September 20, 2023, removed Governor Yusuf from office. The tribunal invalidated 165,663 of his votes, citing the absence of signatures or stamps from the Independent National Electoral Commission.
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This decision by the Appeal Court underscores the importance of adherence to party membership qualifications for candidates in electoral contests. The ruling has significant implications for the political landscape in Kano state, reshaping the outcome of the governorship election and reinforcing the need for transparent electoral processes.
What next for Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf?
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It remains to be seen how this verdict will impact the political dynamics in Kano and whether it will lead to further legal proceedings or adjustments in the state’s leadership. As the APC celebrates this legal victory, the implications for the NNPP, Governor Abba Yusuf and the broader political climate in Kano are likely to unfold in the coming days.
